# iOS 18.1 RC: An In-Depth Look at Apple’s Newest Features
As Apple prepares for the official rollout of iOS 18.1, the company has released the Release Candidate (RC) version of the update, providing users with an advance look at the latest features and enhancements. iOS 18.1 RC is filled with advancements in Apple Intelligence and various modifications aimed at enhancing the overall user experience. This article will delve into the key attributes of iOS 18.1 RC, highlighting the Apple Intelligence tools and other significant updates.
*Image: Christian de Looper for BGR*
## Apple Intelligence Features in iOS 18.1 RC
Apple Intelligence is central to iOS 18.1, offering a range of AI-driven tools intended to streamline everyday activities. Below are the standout features:
### 1. **Enhanced Writing Tools**
Apple has implemented sophisticated writing tools throughout its ecosystem. Users are now able to rewrite, proofread, and summarize text within applications like Mail, Notes, Pages, and even various third-party apps. This feature is transformative for anyone who often composes emails or documents on their iPhones.
### 2. **Upgraded Siri**
iOS 18.1 gives Siri a notable boost. The virtual assistant now features a refreshed interface and is capable of maintaining context across multiple requests. Whether you fumble your words or change your mind while speaking, Siri can still comprehend and respond correctly.
### 3. **Priority Notifications**
With iOS 18.1, Apple unveils priority notifications that float to the top of the notification list. This functionality enables users to quickly spot and react to the most critical alerts, simplifying notification management at a glance.
### 4. **Important Messages in Mail**
Emails that are time-sensitive, like invitations or flight check-ins, are now highlighted at the top of your inbox. This feature ensures that you never overlook an urgent message with an approaching deadline.
### 5. **Minimizing Distractions with Focus Mode**
Focus Mode has been improved to assess the content of your notifications, showing only those that demand immediate attention. For example, a message regarding picking up your child from daycare will be prioritized over less pressing notifications.
### 6. **Email Summarization Feature**
Lengthy emails can be daunting, but with iOS 18.1, users are able to tap for a brief summary of long emails in the Mail app, helping them to get to the essence more quickly.
### 7. **Call Recording and Transcription Features**
iOS 18.1 introduces functionalities to record and transcribe phone calls directly within the Notes or Phone apps. Apple Intelligence additionally generates summaries of these transcripts, aiding users in swiftly accessing key information from their discussions.
### 8. **Smart Replies in Mail**
Replying to emails is now more convenient. Apple Intelligence can recognize inquiries in emails and propose suitable responses, saving users time and effort when crafting replies.
### 9. **Cleanup Feature in Photos**
The Photos app now includes a new capability that can automatically detect and eliminate distracting elements from the background of photos, all while preserving the primary subject. This tool is ideal for users wanting to enhance their photos without relying on third-party editing software.
### 10. **Summarization Across Multiple Platforms**
Apple Intelligence has broadened its summarization functionality beyond just Messages and Mail, providing more thorough summaries across various applications and types of content.
## Additional Notable Updates in iOS 18.1 RC
Alongside the Apple Intelligence features, iOS 18.1 RC introduces several other key updates and enhancements:
### 1. **Control Center Enhancements**
Apple has redesigned the Control Center, enabling users to personalize connectivity toggles as separate options. This allows for the selection of specific buttons and the removal of default built-in features, offering increased flexibility in managing your device settings.
### 2. **Drag and Drop for iPhone Mirroring**
The latest beta version of iOS 18.1 introduces drag-and-drop capabilities for iPhone Mirroring, a functionality that was absent in the initial release of iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia. This simplifies the transfer of content between devices when utilizing AirPlay or other mirroring features.
### 3. **Camera Control Options**
A new Camera Control feature has been introduced, enabling users to easily switch between the front and rear cameras. This function is particularly beneficial for video calls and content creation.
### 4. **Hearing Aid Capability for AirPods Pro 2**
iOS 18.1 RC also introduces a new hearing aid feature for the AirPods Pro 2, enhancing the accessibility of Apple’s celebrated wireless earbuds. This feature is tailored to assist users with hearing impairments.
